Blackpool great James sickened by club’s plight

William Watt

Glyn James is the latest Blackpool great to call for the Oyston family to leave the club, describing the situation as sickening.

The 74-year-old spent his whole career at Bloomfield Road, making 444 League appearances from 1959-74.

Glyn James in action for Blackpool against Burnley in 1973

Supporters are set to march through the town ahead of tomorrow’s vital lunchtime clash with Wigan and James contacted The Gazette to offer his support.

He said: “It sickens me what’s happening at Blackpool FC. I think the only answer now is for the Oystons to leave the club.

“I just want to give my backing to the people who are going on the march. I’m 74 now and if I thought I could manage the walk I’d join them. I wish them all well.”

James played alongside fellow legend Jimmy Armfield and gained international recognition with Wales.

He has remained a Fylde coast resident ever since and is well placed to comment on the current set-up.

He added: “Blackpool was such a good club when I played for them, so well run and such a fantastic place to be around.

“I don’t know where it’s going to end, I really don’t. What I’d like to know is what Karl Oyston is actually trying to achieve.

“I get to quite a few games and it’s really sad to see the state of the club and the team.

“I just don’t understand it. Owen Oyston always seemed to be keen on the football and seemed to care, but it looks like Karl Oyston couldn’t care less about the football. The fact he misses games says it all for me.”

Tomorrow’s protest, arranged by Blackpool Supporters’ Trust and Tangerine Knights, starts at the Stanley Arms pub on Church Street at 10.30pm, passing the Town Hall (11am) and Comedy Carpet (11.15) en route to Bloomfield Road.

Steve Rowland, chairman of BST, said it’s vital Pool fans take part. He said: “Our appeal is to everyone who cares about Blackpool FC and its importance to the town is simple: get on the streets and make your feelings heard by all lawful means.

“We need a massive show of love for our club and we need to send an unmistakable message to the Oystons that it belongs to the fans.

“Blackpool Supporters’ Trust believes fans are the heart and soul of any football club.”